The upcoming playoff match between the Montreal Alouettes and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers holds significant implications for both teams. The game will take place at Percival Molson Stadium this Saturday. The Alouettes face their final regular-season game without their starting quarterback, Davis Alexander, who is resting due to injury concerns.
Game Day Details: Alouettes vs. Bombers
The matchup will feature veteran quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson stepping in as the starter for Montreal. This decision comes as the Alouettes prepare for their playoff run. Bethel-Thompson, 37, faced early challenges, throwing an interception in the first quarter of the game against the Bombers. Fortunately, the Alouettes’ defense stepped up, with Marc-Antoine Dequoy recording his first interception of the season.
Milestones and Records on the Line
- Jose Maltos Diaz achieved a historic milestone by setting a new team record with his 56th field goal of the season.
- Tyrell Richards and Alexandre Gagné lead the Canadian Football League (CFL) with 28 and 24 special teams tackles, respectively, closing in on the franchise record of 31 tackles set in 1998.
- Maltos Diaz aims to break the team record for most field goals in a season, needing just one to claim the record outright.
The Alouettes, currently out of the race for a top finish in the East Division, still have playoff aspirations. Their playoff journey will commence next week, likely against the same Blue Bombers team they face today. Winnipeg, sitting fourth in the West Division, has an outside chance to improve their playoff positioning.
Injury Reports and Team Rotations
Montreal’s coach, Jason Maas, noted that decisions about player rotations would not solely rely on game outcomes but also on players’ physical conditions, especially after two games in five days. Only Tyler Snead was reported as uncertain for today’s match.
The Blue Bombers are also making notable changes, resting several key players, including quarterback Zach Collaros and running back Brady Oliveira. This strategic move indicates their focus on maintaining player health ahead of the playoffs.
As the Alouettes and Bombers meet, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead in the postseason. With players on the verge of setting new records and teams aiming for playoff success, the significance of this matchup stretches beyond a mere regular-season game.
